Deer and game feeder

Abstract

A portable deer and game feeder includes a tub-like feeder box, a support frame for supporting the feeder box, the support frame including a plurality of removable legs for supporting the feeder box above the ground, and a roof extending over the feeder box and being large enough to overhang the edges of the feeder box. A plurality of removable roof support posts are provided for supporting the roof over the feeder box, and the removable legs and the removable roof supports are sized and configured to be detached and stowed in the feeder box for transport.

1. A portable feeder for deer and game comprising: a feed assembly comprising a feed box for holding animal feed; a roof covering the feed box: and one or more roof supports detachably coupled to the feed assembly and the roof, wherein the roof supports each comprise at least one generally vertical central segment, at least three top end segments extending upward from the central segment and angled with respect to each other and with respect to the central segment, and at least two bottom end segments extending downward from the central segment and angled with respect to each other and with respect to the central segment, wherein at least one of the top end segments is detachably coupled to the central segment; and wherein the roof supports fit entirely inside the feed box for storage when the roof supports are disassembled from the feed assembly and the roof, wherein the feeder can be quickly and easily assembled for temporary use, disassembled for transport and storage, and reassembled and disassembled repeatedly. 
   
   
     2. The feeder of  claim 1 , further comprising a feed box frame for supporting the feed box, the feed box frame including a plurality of removable legs, wherein the legs fit inside the feed box for storage when the legs are disassembled from the feed box frame. 
   
   
     3. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein the feed box has a feed box body and a peripheral lip, and further comprising a feed box frame for supporting the feed box, the feed box frame having a peripheral member for supporting the feed box peripheral lip, at least one rib member for supporting the feed box body, and a plurality of legs removably coupled to the peripheral member, wherein the feed box frame legs fit within the feed box when disassembled from the feed box frame. 
   
   
     4. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein the roof comprises at least two panels hinged together and shaped and sized so that when the feeder is disassembled with the roof detached from the roof supports, the roof can be collapsed flat with the panels folded over onto each other and positioned over the feed box as a lid. 
   
   
     5. The feeder of  claim 4 , wherein one of the panels has a portion overlapping the other panel when the panels are unfolded and assembled onto the feeder to direct rainwater from leaking between the roof panels and into the feed box. 
   
   
     6. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein the roof comprises at least two half-roofs hinged together, with each half-roof comprising at least two panels that can be folded against each other such that the entire roof can be folded up and stowed inside the feed box. 
   
   
     7. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein the feed assembly includes a plurality of leg attachment elements and a plurality of removable legs, wherein the legs are removably coupled to the leg attachment elements in a telescopic arrangement, and the legs fit entirely inside the feed box for storage when the legs are disassembled from the feed assembly. 
   
   
     8. The feeder of  claim 7 , wherein the leg attachment elements comprise hollow stubs that telescopically receive the legs therein. 
   
   
     9. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein each one the roof supports comprises two elongate members each including one of the central segments, one of the top end segments, and one of the bottom end segments. 
   
   
     10. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein when one of the roof supports is assembled for use, the central segment is generally vertical, and two of the top end segments, the central segment, and the two bottom end segments all lie in one plane, but the third top end segment does not lie in the same plane. 
   
   
     11. The feeder of  claim 10 , wherein missing data a first one of the roof supports is detachably mounted at a first end of the feed assembly and a second one of the roof supports is detachably mounted at a second end of the feed assembly, wherein the first and second ends of the feed assembly are opposite each other and the third top end segments are angled toward each other over the feed box. 
   
   
     12. A portable deer and game feeder comprising: a feed assembly including a feeder box and a support frame for supporting the feeder box, the support frame including a plurality of removable legs for supporting the feeder box above the ground; a roof extending over the feeder box and being large enough to overhang the edges of the feeder box; a plurality of removable roof supports for supporting the roof over the feeder box, the roof supports removably attached to the feed assembly and the roof; wherein the roof supports each comprise at least one generally vertical central segment, at least three top end segments extending upward from the central segment and angled with respect to each other and with respect to the central segment, and at least two bottom end segments extending downward from the central segment and angled with respect to each other and with respect to the central segment, wherein at least one of the top end segments is detachably coupled to the central segment; and wherein the removable legs and the removable roof supports are sized and configured to be detached and stowed entirely within the feeder box for transport. 
   
   
     13. A portable deer and game feeder as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the feeder box has a top that is flat and the roof comprises at least two roof panels that are hinged together, such that with the roof panels extended in use the roof overhangs the feeder box to a substantial degree, and with both of the roof panels detached from the roof supports and folded flat against one another the roof can be positioned atop the feeder box like a lid. 
   
   
     14. A portable deer and game feeder as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the feeder box comprises a one-piece, tub-like, molded plastic element. 
   
   
     15. A portable deer and game feeder as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the feeder box has a peripheral flange and further comprising a support framework mounted to the removable legs for engaging the peripheral flange. 
   
   
     16. A portable deer and game feeder as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the feeder box support frame includes hollow stubs and the removable legs are removably coupled to the hollow stubs in a telescopic arrangement.